Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Captains for FPL Gameweek 17
Last weekend’s Fantasy Premier League game week underscored the crucial role of choosing a reliable vice-captain, particularly in situations like the one that unfolded.
Despite Luton’s commendable adaptation to the top flight, their clash with Manchester City was a fixture that astute FPL managers likely marked prominently on their calendars when the season’s schedule was revealed.
In a gameweek where Erling Haaland seemed the clear standout captain choice, with over 6.6 million managers entrusting him with the armband and some even deploying their Triple Captain chip on the Norwegian, an unexpected twist occurred. Haaland, sidelined with a mysterious foot injury, left fantasy managers in a lurch.
Fortuitously, those with wise vice-captain choices found solace as their second-in-command stepped up. Mo Salah garnered 13 points as Liverpool staged a comeback against Crystal Palace, while Son Heung-min, another popular pick, amassed an impressive 17-point score as Tottenham dominated Newcastle.
However, not everyone had a smooth experience. Surprisingly, over 200,000 managers had Ederson as their backup skipper, a decision likely rooted in complacency rather than intention. The outcome served as a lesson, and it’s safe to say they won’t be making that oversight again in a hurry.
Aside from strategizing captain and vice-captain selections, FPL managers are reminded to ensure their entire team is in optimal condition well before the deadline, especially considering the unusual cutoff time of 6:30 pm (GMT) on Friday. After all, no one would want to dampen their office Christmas party by forgetting to make crucial FPL transfers, right?
Let’s have a look at the top 5 players who can gain you the maximum points as your FPL captain for Gameweek 17.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, priced at £5.4 million, stands out as a noteworthy budget-friendly acquisition for fantasy football managers this season. With an impressive record of five goals and three assists in just nine starts, Palmer’s expected goals (xG) of 5.1 and expected assists (xA) of 2.1 add further value to his performance, particularly considering his affordable price tag.
In the upcoming fixture against Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea appears to have a favorable matchup on paper. Sheffield United currently holds the undesirable position of having conceded the most goals (41) in the league, coupled with the second-worst expected goals conceded (xGC) at 33.2. This sets the stage for what is expected to be a routine victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Chelsea ranks fifth in both goals scored (26) and expected goals (xG) at 29.65, making them the third-favorite team (50%) to score 2.5 or more goals in Gameweek 17.
Cole Palmer’s appeal lies not only in his goal-scoring ability but also in his playmaking contributions, establishing him as one of the mainstays among Chelsea’s attacking options. As the primary penalty taker, Palmer boasts a solid 33% goal involvement and is entrusted with taking corners, further enhancing his fantasy football value.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Forwards Picks for FPL Gameweek 17
Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)
Julian Alvarez, priced at £6.9 million, has enjoyed a commendable season, contributing significantly with four goals and eight assists. His expected goal (xG) stands at 4.2, complemented by an expected assist (xA) of 4.0, making him the third-highest-scoring forward in the fantasy football game.
In Gameweek 17, Manchester City faces Crystal Palace in a fixture that appears promising for the reigning league champions. Crystal Palace may be dealing with the absence of their first-choice goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone (£4.7m), who exited with an injury in the previous game week. Additionally, Tyrick Mitchell (£4.7m) is likely to be sidelined due to a hip injury.
Manchester City leads the league in goals scored with 38 and boasts the third-best expected goals (xG) at 31.46. Playing at home against Crystal Palace, they are expected to dominate, setting the stage for a challenging night for Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson.
With City being the favorites to score 2.5 or more goals at 55%, and Erling Haaland potentially injured, Julian Alvarez stands out as a key player. Alvarez has accumulated the most playing minutes among City attackers this season (1,319), and with Haaland’s potential absence, Alvarez’s playing time is likely to see a further boost.
Expected to feature as the number nine, Alvarez is poised to receive better goal-scoring opportunities, making him an appealing fantasy football option for Gameweek 17.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah, priced at £13.1 million, continues to dominate as the highest-scoring player in the fantasy football game, boasting an impressive record of 11 goals and seven assists. Salah also ranks second in expected goals (xG) with 10.2 and holds the fourth-highest expected assists (xA) at 4.02.
Liverpool faces a formidable home fixture against arch-rivals Manchester United in Gameweek 17. United’s struggles this season position Jurgen Klopp’s team as significant favorites, with Liverpool being the second-favorite team to score 2.5 or more goals at 52%.
The Reds have showcased their attacking prowess, scoring the second-most goals (36) in the league, coupled with the highest expected goals (xG) at 33.08.
As Gameweek 17 unfolds, Mohamed Salah stands out as one of the premier captain options. The Egyptian forward is a guaranteed starter, takes penalties, and serves as the clear talisman for the team, making him a reliable and impactful fantasy football choice for the upcoming fixture against Manchester United.
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
FPL managers are facing a significant decision regarding Erling Haaland, especially if the information on his foot injury remains inconclusive. If Pep Guardiola confirms Haaland’s absence from City’s game against Crystal Palace (which, considering Guardiola’s press conference history, seems unlikely), selling him becomes a logical move, given that he will also miss Gameweek 18 due to City’s Club World Cup participation.
Offloading Haaland opens the door to acquiring any other forward in the game, and while options might be limited, one player potentially flying under the radar is Gabriel Jesus, as indicated by the FPL transfer market.
Jesus has been a consistent starter for Arsenal in their last four league games, notably contributing a goal and an assist in the recent 4-3 victory over Luton. Given a breather in the midweek dead rubber Champions League game, Jesus now sets his sights on facing Brighton, a team yet to keep a clean sheet in the league this season.
Priced at £7.9 million and accumulating 35 points, Gabriel Jesus presents an intriguing option for Gameweek 17, offering both form and a favorable fixture against Brighton at home. FPL managers looking for an alternative forward might find Jesus to be a compelling choice amid the uncertainty surrounding Haaland’s injury status.
Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspurs)
Son Heung-min, priced at £9.5 million, has elevated himself to the second-highest scorer in the game following his impressive 17-point performance in the last gameweek. With 10 goals and four assists to his name, Son boasts an expected goal (xG) of 5.99 and an expected assist (xA) of 3.48.
Tottenham Hotspur faces another favorable fixture in Gameweek 17 as they travel to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest. Steve Cooper’s side has conceded 28 goals (16th) with an expected goal conceded (xGC) of 24.1 (11th).
Tottenham has showcased their attacking prowess, scoring 33 goals (fourth) with an expected goal (xG) of 27.73 (ninth). Their attacking nature suggests that they will create numerous scoring opportunities in the upcoming match.
Son’s versatility was on full display in Gameweek 16, where he played on the left wing against Newcastle United with Richarlison (£6.6m) taking up the central striker position. Despite the positional change, the South Korean maestro still managed to contribute two assists and a goal.
In an added boost for fantasy managers, it has been confirmed that Son is the designated first-choice penalty taker for Tottenham Hotspur, further enhancing his fantasy football appeal. Son remains a phenomenal performer this season, making him an enticing option for Gameweek 17 against Nottingham Forest.